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Instead of proceeding with hisavowed objective of puttingLeicester back at the pinnacle ofEuropean rugby, Meyer has beenforced by a family predicament toquit after just 17 matches.

He returned to South Africa lastmonth after both his wife’sparents were diagnosed withterminal illnesses.

‘This has been a very difficult decision for me to make in difficult circumstances,’ said Meyer. ‘I hope everyone can understand my reasons. Leicester Tigers is a very special rugby club and I accepted the job there because I felt I was equipped to take them on to greater success.’

Leicester chairman Peter Tom said: ‘Heyneke found himself in very difficult circumstances and we fully understand the reasons for his decision to remain in South Africa.’

Richard Cockerill will remain in temporary charge, knowing that his prospects of landing the job will be determined by results over the next four months.

If Leicester go for another southern hemisphere coach, Pat Howard, the Australian who took them to their last Premiership title in 2007, will top a shortlist of one.

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Tigers see a second coach in seven months leave the Welford Road hotseat